🇳🇿 New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
Also known as: AEWV, AEWV visa, New Zealand work visa
Last verified: October 1, 2026
What is the New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa?
New Zealand's main employer-sponsored work visa, valid up to five years. A common misconception: the median wage requirement was removed from the AEWV on 10 March 2025, so your pay must be the market rate for the role and at or above the adult minimum wage rather than a fixed threshold. The median wage — NZD $35.00 an hour from 9 March 2026 — still matters for Green List pay floors, supporting a partner, and qualifying later for residence, so aim above it if residence is your goal. Your employer must hold accreditation and complete a job check before you can apply. Three steps run in sequence: employer accreditation, job check, then your application. You also need at least two years of relevant work experience, or a qualification at level 4 or higher on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework — so the AEWV is not open to applicants with neither.
This overview is written for Indians. Fees and paperwork differ by nationality; see the comparison below.
New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa requirements, cost, and processing time
| Government fee | $870 |
| Processing time | 6–20 weeks |
| Minimum annual income | No fixed threshold on record |
| Minimum savings | No fixed threshold on record |
| Job offer | Required |
| Degree | Not required |
| Family can join | Yes |
| Path to permanent residency | Yes |
Amounts are approximate US dollar equivalents of figures set in local currency, verified against official sources for Indians and Filipinos.
New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa cost and processing time by nationality
| Applicants | Gov. fee | Processing | Min. income | Min. savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇮🇳 Indians | $870 | 6–16 weeks | — | — |
| 🇵🇭 Filipinos | $870 | 8–20 weeks | — | — |
Each row links to the full guide for that nationality, with the document checklist.
Documents needed for the New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa
- Check whether your occupation is on the Green List
- Confirm the employer holds current accreditation
- Secure a job offer at genuine market rate
- Employer completes the job check
- Obtain qualification and experience evidence
- Take an English test if required
- Complete medical examinations with a panel physician
- Obtain police certificates
- Submit your AEWV application online
- Include partner and children
- Arrive and get an IRD number
- Track your residence eligibility
This list is the checklist for Indians. Other nationalities have their own steps, linked in the table above. The full ordered checklist, with timing, dependencies, and personalized due dates, is part of the plan.
Is the Accredited Employer Work Visa right for you?
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- What are the requirements for the New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa?
- The requirements we have on record are: a job offer from an employer in New Zealand. Amounts are USD equivalents verified for Indians and Filipinos; the official source lists the full document set.
- How much does the New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa cost?
- The government fee is about $870 (USD equivalent). Translations, apostilles, insurance, and courier costs come on top.
- What is the New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa processing time?
- Typical processing takes 6–16 weeks for Indians and 8–20 weeks for Filipinos after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- Do I need a job offer for the New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa?
- Yes. A job offer from an employer in New Zealand is required before applying.
- Can family members join on the New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa?
- Yes. Accompanying family members are allowed, with additional documentation.
- Does the New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa lead to permanent residency?
- Yes. It offers a path to permanent residency after the qualifying period.
- Is the AEWV the same as the New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa?
- Yes. AEWV, AEWV visa, and New Zealand work visa are other names people use for the New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa.
New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa guides by nationality
Other New Zealand visas
Always confirm requirements with the official government sources: immigration.govt.nz, immigration.govt.nz. This guide is general information, not legal advice.